Title
Regional Climate Mitigation Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to recommend City Council pass a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend approval of the proposed scope of work for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. Approval will move the Regional Climate Mitigation Plan work forward.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Danelle MacEwen, Performance Management Specialist, Administrative Services Department, 360.753.8211
Presenter(s):
Danelle MacEwen
Karen Parkhurst, Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC)
Background and Analysis:
In November 2015, the City formally committed to what is now known as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The Global Covenant is a coalition of cities committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a local level. Currently, more than 9,000 cities worldwide participate. As a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors, the City committed to several actions, including the development of a climate action plan. Additionally, the City’s Comprehensive Plan provides in the Environment chapter as follows:
“PN8.1 Participate with local and state partners in the development of a regional climate action plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gases by . . .”
In April 2018, Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) signed an Interlocal Agreement to complete Phase 1 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan, with TRPC leading the effort. Phase 1 work includes, among other things, the recommendation and adoption of a common baseline and emissions reductions targets for each jurisdiction. Adoption of common targets puts all four jurisdictions on the same path towards emissions reductions. In June 2018, this Committee voted unanimously to recommend that City Council adopt a 2015 baseline and the following emissions reduction targets:
• 45% below 2015 levels by 2030
• 85% below 2015 levels by 2050
TRPC and staff from the four participating jurisdictions have been developing of a scope of work for Phase 2 of the Climate Mitigation Plan. Phase 2 work, which will also be led and managed by TRPC, will focus on analysis of mitigation actions, review of current emissions inventories, community engagement, jurisdictional specific implementation strategies and a plan for tracking and reporting progress towards the reduction targets. The timeframe for this work is approximately eighteen to twenty-four months to complete at an estimated cost of $175,000. The four participating jurisdictions will share the cost equally for a cost not to exceed $43,750 each. TRPC anticipates hiring a consultant to assist with technical aspects of the Climate Mitigation Plan and community engagement.
TRPC is the lead agency for Phase 2. An Interjurisdictional Policymakers Panel will be convened, which will include one policymaker from each jurisdiction. A Steering Committee, which includes the members of the Policymakers Panel and supporting staff from each jurisdiction, will be formed to guide this work. A Stakeholder Committee will also be formed which will include local residents, students, non-profits, special purpose district representatives, businesses and issue experts. The Stakeholder Committee will make advisory recommendations to the Steering Committee.
In September, staff will present the emissions reduction targets recommended by this Committee, the Interlocal Agreement, and the scope and funding proposed for Phase 2 work to City Council.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is strong community interest in local action on climate change. Thurston Climate Action Team, a local non-profit organization, has expressed interest in engaging with the City and our regional partners, in the development of a climate mitigation plan. People for a Carbon Free Olympia and local students from Olympia High School have also expressed interest in the City’s climate mitigation work.
Options:
1. Recommend City Council approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 scope of work for a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. This will allow the work to move forward, and is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors.
2. Recommend changes to the Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 scope of work for a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. This would require staff to negotiate proposed changes with TRPC, the County and other participating cities.
3. Do not recommend approval of a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 scope of work for a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. This will require the City to pursue its own individual climate plan.
Financial Impact:
The City’s share of Phase 1 work is $5,000 and Phase 2 work is $43,750, for a total of $48,750. $80,000 in funding for climate mitigation planning is included in the 2018 budget.
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement and Scope of Work - Phase 2
Phase 2 Snapshot: Regional Climate Mitigation Plan